Chapter 11 : GET OUT !

Without realizing it, Elena’s shoulder brushed lightly against a smooth part of the wall. To her shock, it slid open with a soft whoosh.

She gasped and stepped back, eyes wide.

“What on earth...?”

Curious now, she stepped forward and peeked in. The room beyond looked completely different warm, elegant, and quiet. Her footsteps echoed gently as she walked in. The moment she entered fully, the lights flicked on by themselves, slowly brightening the space.

She blinked in surprise, taking it all in... a long, indoor pool stretched out before her, calm and perfectly still.

But what made her freeze was what hung on the far wall.

Her breath caught.

Her eyes locked on a massive framed portrait..bold and striking. A woman in a black dress, her face hidden behind a gold mask.

Elena’s lips parted in shock.

“It’s me...” she whispered. “It’s me.”

Her heartbeat quickened.

She stepped closer, drawn to it like a magnet. Her fingers gently brushed the edge of the frame as she stared, stunned. The memory of that night flickered in her mind...the mask, the dress, the way he had held her that night......and the mystery.

''Why does he have me on his wall?''

''How did he even know it was me?''

She stood there in silence, confused, overwhelmed... and deeply unsettled.

.......... 

As Elena stood there staring at the portrait, her fingertips gently brushed over the edge of the frame, still lost in shock.

“It’s me…” she whispered again, confused, overwhelmed.

Then.......a deep voice cut through the silence like a blade.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Elena gasped, her body jolting as her hand slipped.

The portrait tilted forward, teetering on the edge and then crashed to the floor with a loud shatter. 

She froze in horror.

Glass sprayed across the floor in all directions.

Mr. Hughston stood at the entrance, his face twisted in shock and fury.

“What the hell have you done?!” he barked, storming into the room.

“I... I... I’m so sorry, sir,” Elena stammered, already dropping to her knees, her hands trembling as she reached for the broken frame, trying to gather the scattered pieces.

But before she could collect herself, he was there.

He grabbed her by the arm...not gently and yanked her to her feet.

His grip was tight, his face inches from hers.

“How dare you!” he spat. “You have no right to be in here! This room is off limits to everyone!”

“Please.... please, I didn’t mean..I didn't know this room existed...” her voice cracked..

But he didn’t wait for an explanation.

Without a word, he dragged her out, storming down the stairs. Elena winced, trying to keep up with his furious pace, her feet stumbling.

They reached the lower floor. With one final shove, he pushed her forward. Elena lost balance and fell to the ground with a thud.

“Get out!” he shouted, his voice thundering through the hall.

“Get OUT of my house!”

Elena looked up at him, wide-eyed and breathless, her heart pounding...

''I don't ever want to see you here again. You're fired!!''

He slammed the door shut hardly behind her.

“Damn it!” he growled, slamming his fist against the wall.

He stood there for a moment, clenching his jaw and breathing heavily.

Then, turning abruptly, he stormed back down the hallway, running a hand through his hair, fingers raking furiously as anger burned in his chest.